LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

April 1Apr 1

Author

Update: dropped 1.3% 8 days ago.

Day2: Dizziness, increases GI issues- nausea, bloating

Day4: increase in histamine issues-itching, stuffy nose

Day7: anxiety, panic, burning eyes-sore, pinching pain, headache, constipation

Working on: relaxing, acceptance, breathing, distraction

I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/200mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

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April 1Apr 1

18 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Update: dropped 1.3% 8 days ago.

Day2: Dizziness, increases GI issues- nausea, bloating

Day4: increase in histamine issues-itching, stuffy nose

Day7: anxiety, panic, burning eyes-sore, pinching pain, headache, constipation

Working on: relaxing, acceptance, breathing, distraction

I’m sorry LIC. Your nervous system is very sensitive by the looks of things. I hope these settle soon. Thinking of you.

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys.

If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

For US members details here.

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April 1Apr 1

You've got this stay strong

Edited April 1Apr 1 by Beehive

2016 - 2019 Sertraline 25mg highest dose 100mg

2019 C Ted 25mg Bad withdrawals

01/2020 reinstated 25mg

06/2020 - 12/2021 tapered from 100mg to 6mg jumped off .bad withdrawals like before .

06/2022 reinstated 25mg

10/2023 started taper of 25mg not sure of starting drops

04/2025 5mg

06/2025 4.1mg

08/2025 3.5mg

10/2025 3.1 mg

12/2025 2.5mg

01/2026 to present 2.27mg

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April 1Apr 1

Hoping things smooth out for you in the coming days/weeks, LIC. 💚☀️

Prozac: May 2020 - April 2024: 40mg - had no trouble coming off linearly over the course of several months/a year
Klonopin: September 2024: 0.5mg - CTd after 4 weeks use
Zoloft: Nov-Dec 2024: 25mg - CTd after 4 weeks use
Olanzapine: Dec 2024-July 2025: 7.5mg. July 2025-Sept 2025: 5mg (bad WD 7.5 to 5). Sept 2025-Nov 2025: 2.5mg (no WD 5 to 2.5). Tried to stop at 2.5 per doc. Anxiety & insomnia returned so reinstated 2.5mg. Nov 2025-Feb 2026: 2.5mg
Trazodone: Dec 2024-now: 100mg

Olanzapine taper: 2026: 3/1 - 2.3mg (0.111g); 3/29 - 2.1mg (0.100g); 5/3 - 1.9mg (0.090g); 5/31 - 1.7mg (0.081g); 6/21 - 1.5mg (0.073g)

1

April 1Apr 1

43 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Update: dropped 1.3% 8 days ago.

Day2: Dizziness, increases GI issues- nausea, bloating

Day4: increase in histamine issues-itching, stuffy nose

Day7: anxiety, panic, burning eyes-sore, pinching pain, headache, constipation

Working on: relaxing, acceptance, breathing, distraction

Truly sorry, what a tough journey it is!

I really hope it gets easier for you soon.

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 20% 0.0358g (2mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

1

April 1Apr 1

Wishing you better days, for sure they will come. ❤️

2008-2011 - Citalopram 10-50 mg

2011 - Citalopram 50mg. Tapered to 20mg - with occasional increases to 25 or 30 mg

2018 (Aug) - 2019 (April) - Citalopram 20 mg, 10 mg, 7.5 mg, 5 mg

2019 (Fall) - Citalopram 5 mg - Experienced a major, unprecedented episode of intense anxiety and insomnia for 8-10 weeks. Updosed to 20 mg after 6 weeks

2021 (23 Nov) - Citalopram 20 mg, 15 mg, 10 mg

2021 (14 Dec) - Duloxetine Switch 30 mg, 60 mg

2022 (16 Jan) - Duloxetine 30 mg

2022 (31 Jan) - Duloxetine - Started skipping doses, 2 Days on, 1 Day off; 5 Days - 2 Days off, 1 Day on; 6 days

2022 (11 Feb) - Duloxetine 0 mg

2022 (20 Mar) - Severe withdrawal began

2022 (29 Mar) - Citalopram - 5mg (RI), 10 mg

2022 (13 Apr) - Citalopram 15 mg

2022 (Mar 28) - Trazodone 25 mg - Added in for sleep

2023 (28 Jan) - Trazodone 12.5 mg

2024 (May 2) - (July 1) - Trazodone 10 mg - 7.5 mg

2025 (Oct) - 2026 (14 Feb) - Citalopram 15 mg -Tapered to 11.55 mg

2026 (13 Feb) - (5 Mar) - Citalopram (13 Feb) 11.55 mg, (15 Feb) 11.7 mg, (18 Feb) 11.85 mg, (25 Feb) 11.925 mg, (5 Mar) 11.955 mg - Major increase in withdrawal symptoms; updosed to 11.955 mg (+3.5%)

2025 (14 Dec) - 2026 (31 Jan) Trazadone 7.5 mg - Tapered to 3.5 mg

2026 (31 Jan) - (1 Mar) Trazodone (31 Jan) 3.5 mg, (20 Feb) 3.25 mg, (25 Feb) 3.125 mg, (1 Mar) 3.5 mg, (23 Mar) updosed to 3.75 mg (+7%)

1

April 1Apr 1

I love that you're charting symptoms, LIC but wish you didnt have to. About how long do they continue until you get back to WD normal? For me, it was 3-4 weeks.

2011-2015 - tapered off 300mg of Venlafaxine after 6 years of use

2005-2021 - 450 mg Bupropion daily

2021-2023 - tapered Bupropion to zero

April 1Apr 1

Author

2 hours ago, j1290 said:

About how long do they continue until you get back to WD normal? For me, it was 3-4 weeks.

Usually most resolve within the 28 days...I was just hoping that my 6 month hold would have let me do this tiny reduction without any WD. Oh well, it could always be worse ... let's hope it doesn't. ❤️🙏

How are you doing?

I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/200mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

1

April 1Apr 1

4 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Working on: relaxing, acceptance, breathing, distraction

Working on the things you have more control over 👌

You're doing so well. Another drop is another win

I do appreciate your updates

Multi-year hyperbolic Bintellix taper

7 Dec 25: 0.42mg

7 Mar 26: 0.44mg (+5%)

29 Mar 26: 0.34mg (trying to follow the "slow" Maudsley Guide)

28 Apr 26: 0.24mg

24 May 26: 0.14mg

29 Jun 26: 0.10mg

1

April 1Apr 1

8 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Update: dropped 1.3% 8 days ago.

Day2: Dizziness, increases GI issues- nausea, bloating

Day4: increase in histamine issues-itching, stuffy nose

Day7: anxiety, panic, burning eyes-sore, pinching pain, headache, constipation

Working on: relaxing, acceptance, breathing, distraction

Thinking of you and sending hugs xxxx

1998(approx.) 20mg Paroxetine, 1998 -2015 various unsuccessful tapers, 2015 app 6 month taper to 0, 2015 approx 6 months later reinstated original brand after debilitating neurological delayed WD symptoms. Made worse after surgery.2023 Famotidine, Cetirizine, New Generic, muscle relaxer. March/April19th June, 2023 - 23rd July, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 20mg to 15mg (on 15mg for 35 days), no significant symptoms.

24th July, 2023 - 26th July, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 15mg to 12.5mg (on 12.5mg for 3 days), no significant symptoms. &nbsp

27th July, 2023 - 3rd September, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 12.5mg to 10mg (on 10mg for 39 days), no significant symptoms.

4th September, 2023 - 15th September, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 10mg to 5mg i.e. 10mg every other day (on 5mg for 12 days), although not noted, must have experienced some symptoms, as I decided to return to previous 10mg dosage on the 16th September.

16th September, 2023 - 25th November, 2023: Dosage increased from 5mg to 10mg i.e. 10mg every day (on 10mg for 71 days), symptoms start dates: Late September sweating, shaking and right side upper back pain., 5th October 23: Upper back pain worsening,21st Oct 23: Night time symptoms: insomnia, nausea, sweats, headaches, some anxiety (predominantly in the mornings)27th Oct 23 admitted to hospital with 1st hypertensive crisis with severe frontal headache (now suspected of withdrawal ) BP 225/115. Admitted twice more with high BP . Doctors at a loss for cause. Given anti nausea, anti anxiety and sleeping tabs in hospital. . 1st Nov 23: , heart palpitations, some anxiety.. 7th Nov 23: Anxiety was now becoming more frequent (not severe). 26th November, 2023 Dosage increased from 10mg to 20mg possibly first time taking 20 mg of Extine, new manufacturer. Approx around this time came of antihistamines . 3rd Dec 23 - 18th Dec, 23: Started taking 7.5mg - 15mg of Oxazepam when anxiety became unbearable only took 8 in total now stopped. Symptoms now more severe have head pain rather than headache. .Electrical shocks through body overnight accompanied by head pain. Sheer terror,. Sore eyes. 23rd Dec 23: All symptoms remain the same i.e. severe except for the last 2 days where my anxiety levels have not been as severe/ extreme and somewhat manageable (later in the day).22 Jan 24 Have some windows now but still suffering from all day head pain, upper back pain, waking up inner restlessness and terror , nausea, intermittent feelings of fear and wake up 12.30 am every morning and sometimes up to 3 times a night with weird tingling down arms and back, pounding heart head pain and nausea. 2nd March 24, head pain/eye pain everyday and all day and & night wake ups.. Mild Akathisia early morning,, upper back pain, sweats. Anxiety much better. 21st April 24, drop 2.25% drop to 19.5 mg to test help with head /eye nerve pain and new symptom tinnitus. 12/5/24 19mg still eye/head/ back pain. Mild AKA AM. 2/6/24 18.93mg 9/8/24 18.04mg, 16/8/24 18mg, 19/9/24 17.6mg, some more micro taper cuts down to 14.758 by 10/12/24 on hold for 6wks,22/1/25 14.46 mg, 5/2/25 14.06mg, 19/2/24 13.38mg 5/03/25 13.05mg 19/3/25 12.4mg, 1/4/24 11.8mg 16/4/25 11.20mg, 29/4/25 10.65mg, 28/5/26 10.1mg, 11/6/26 10mg,20/07/25 9.75mg, 27/7/25, 3/825 9.27mg 9/8/25 9.04mg,14/9/25 8.92mg, 12/10/25 8.8mg,19/10/25 8.7mg, 301/25 fully transitioned over to 8ml homemade liquid.

1
1

April 2Apr 2

Hey @LostinCanada, I just read a bit in your thread and saw your family visit. I can relate so well! ❤️Both my sons are living in different countries and one of them even on a different continent. I have not visited him since many years, my health just would not allow it. He comes usually twice a year, but then sometimes just for a couple of days.
I am happy you had your daughter for a long visit and obviously the other daughter was around, too. What a precious time! I can absolutely relate to not cooking. When my family visited, I cooked one meal the first evening, when only one person was there, and when all the other others arrived, I gave up. I didn’t cook a single meal. We hosted a dinner once but my husband did most of the job. And one time, my son and my daughter-in-law cooked. For me, it was not dietary issues, it was just because of not having the strength. Nevertheless, of course there was breakfast and coffee and snacks, more I could not handle.

After the 10 days, I was completely worn out. Thankfully, I had a window during their visit, but still I also was struggling to feel the joy. Even in windows there’s no laughing and enjoying as I used to experience before withdrawal.

The time afterwards was difficult. Be very gentle with yourself. Saying goodbye is tough. Missing a child is tough. And as nice as it is to have them visit, the pain when they leave is a real thing and we have to allow it as we have to allow our symptoms.

take care, my friend. Your daughters can be very proud of you, you are struggling with strength and determination, and everybody here knows how much love you still have for people. I am sure you have been annd still are a wonderful mother.

SA Thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33406-nemina-tapering-escitalopram/

AR Thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/14-nemina-tapering-escilatopram-and-zolpidem/

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

2015 - Oct 2024: Venlafaxine, Sertralin (Zoloft), Paroxetin (Paxil),duloxtin (cymbalta), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and more

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

Then I tapered over a year from 2mg to 0,32 mg (October 2025). 108 days hold without stabilizing. Resumed taper February 2026:

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

Tapering Zolpidem: From 5 mg to 0,7 mg in 12 months, then just crumbs for several weeks, now 0! (Jan 2025)

Other Supplements

Omega 3, Magnesium Glycinate, Vit D, Calcium, L-theanin.

1
1

April 2Apr 2

Author

3 hours ago, Nemina said:

windows there’s no laughing and enjoying as I used to experience before withdrawal.

Thank you for your kind message. This is me exactly. I can relate to all of it. My son-in-law wanted cinnamon buns and I had to tell him, I just don't have the energy.

I find it so strange how joy and happiness is so hard to grasp. I was such a happy person...never down. But initially I couldn't even smile so I know, I along with you, am improving.... it's just slow.

3 hours ago, Nemina said:

. Saying goodbye is tough. Missing a child is tough.

My heart goes out to you....there is a measure of security when they are near.

Thank you.

❤️🙏

Edited April 2Apr 2 by LostinCanada

I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/200mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

3

April 2Apr 2

Used to be ...we use this alot . We still are is more appropriate. We never went away. The drugs came they put a mask on us, slowly the mask is being torn away with every drop . The person under the mask is still there its spirit is awakening it will shine through . It was never gone . You never went. Keep shining through 🙏

2016 - 2019 Sertraline 25mg highest dose 100mg

2019 C Ted 25mg Bad withdrawals

01/2020 reinstated 25mg

06/2020 - 12/2021 tapered from 100mg to 6mg jumped off .bad withdrawals like before .

06/2022 reinstated 25mg

10/2023 started taper of 25mg not sure of starting drops

04/2025 5mg

06/2025 4.1mg

08/2025 3.5mg

10/2025 3.1 mg

12/2025 2.5mg

01/2026 to present 2.27mg

8

April 2Apr 2

Author

5 minutes ago, Beehive said:

Used to be ...we use this alot . We still are is more appropriate. We never went away. The drugs came they put a mask on us, slowly the mask is being torn away with every drop . The person under the mask is still there its spirit is awakening it will shine through . It was never gone . You never went. Keep shining through 🙏

Beautiful @Beehive

Thanks for that.... let's keep peeling off the layers. ❤️🙏

I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/200mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

2

April 2Apr 2

I'm sorry to hear that small drops are still inducing symptoms.

I hope that they settle soon.

Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.

Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

1 month taper to 0mg

Last dose April 2023

Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

1

April 2Apr 2

3 hours ago, Beehive said:

Used to be ...we use this alot . We still are is more appropriate. We never went away. The drugs came they put a mask on us, slowly the mask is being torn away with every drop . The person under the mask is still there its spirit is awakening it will shine through . It was never gone . You never went. Keep shining through 🙏

Beautiful. You are right. Thank you.

SA Thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33406-nemina-tapering-escitalopram/

AR Thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/14-nemina-tapering-escilatopram-and-zolpidem/

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

2015 - Oct 2024: Venlafaxine, Sertralin (Zoloft), Paroxetin (Paxil),duloxtin (cymbalta), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and more

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

Then I tapered over a year from 2mg to 0,32 mg (October 2025). 108 days hold without stabilizing. Resumed taper February 2026:

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

Tapering Zolpidem: From 5 mg to 0,7 mg in 12 months, then just crumbs for several weeks, now 0! (Jan 2025)

Other Supplements

Omega 3, Magnesium Glycinate, Vit D, Calcium, L-theanin.

2

April 3Apr 3

12 hours ago, Beehive said:

Used to be ...we use this alot . We still are is more appropriate. We never went away. The drugs came they put a mask on us, slowly the mask is being torn away with every drop . The person under the mask is still there its spirit is awakening it will shine through . It was never gone . You never went. Keep shining through 🙏

Love this 🩷.

Thinking of you @LostinCanada. You inspire me.

Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

Sept 2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week, then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps, insomnia)

Feb 2023 - "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild. Taken to emergency.

March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious.

Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD

Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.6mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

1

April 5Apr 5

@LostinCanada I'm sending you all my love . I know you will get through this as you always do ❤️

On Paxil since 1995. Seroquel added 2014 after withdrawal crash. History of too-fast tapers/reinstatements.

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

that ended up being too much and changed to one drug at a time

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

Oct 2025: changed from liquid to powder and accidentally took 10x Seroquel dose for 2 weeks by mistake

23 Oct 2025: returned to liquid with accidental 4.7% Seroquel cut

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95

1
1

April 6Apr 6

On 4/1/2026 at 5:15 PM, LostinCanada said:

Update: dropped 1.3% 8 days ago.

Hi @LostinCanada

I am sorry to hear that you too are reacting to small dose changes.

I have been thinking a lot of you lately. How are you doing atm? Hopefully it is bearable, and as I read your update, working on self compassion and care is great.
I am wondering why our sympatic part of our brain is reacting to changes in med. as if there is a tiger in the bushes screaming: “danger danger”. I haven’t found any explanations. But I find that counteracting and stimulating the parasympaticus branch is the way to go. You are doing great and with all the knowlagde and experience you have, you will succeed.

I hope the wave will pass sooner, than you expect. We keep on traveling in the right direction.
By the way. Thanks for pointing me to AR. I am grateful. 🙏💕

My Intro Topic on AR;

1997 - 2020 - Effexor XR and BusPar

2017 - Current - Lamotrigine 100 mg (x2 Daily) 8am+6pm

Oxapax

History archived - Chippy 01 March 2026

21 Jan 2026 – 7,5mgx3=22.5 mg (+9.2%) 8am+4pm+10pm

13 Marts 6,9+7,5+7,5=21.9mg

26 Marts 6,9+6,9+7,5=21,3mg

01 May 6,75x2+7,5=21mg 1,4%

25 May 6,75x2+7mg=20,5mg 2,3%

Lyrica

History archived - Chippy 01 March 2026

28 July 2025 – current 28,2x= 56.4 mg (-0.70%) 8am+6pm

Sertraline

08 Nov 2020 – 75mg 10pm

04 Nov 2025 – 100mg 10pm

08 Dec 2025 – 95mg 10pm

05 Jan 2026 – 91mg 10pm

11 Mar - 90,8mg 10pm

15 Mar - 90mg 10pm

24Apr - 89,88mg 10pm (-0,12mg/day)

03May - 88,8mg

23June - 88mg On hold

1

April 7Apr 7

Hi LostinCanada,

I am new here, but I just wanted to say I hope you start improving very soon from your recent drop in dose. I am sorry that the drops are so incredibly brutal for you.

I have read your thread here and at SA. You are an incredibly strong woman.

I also wanted to thank you for all the wise advice you have given people. I always read what you have written, and have learnt a lot about how to get off these meds from you.

Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge.

1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58

2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) holding for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75,

Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

3

April 7Apr 7

Author

9 minutes ago, Wombat said:

wanted to thank you

Dear @Wombat you are so welcome....that is so kind.

I see you are slowly crossing over to liquid. Take your time...slow down if you have any bumps. Give yourself a solid month before starting up your taper.

I know some that have been able to use their paroxetine diy liquid for 3 days refrigerated. I would suggest completely transitioning to liquid before trying to see if it can last more than a day. One change at a time keeps it simple and if there are any issues, you will know what is causing it.

Good for you getting down to 8 mg. 🎉❤️🙏

I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/200mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

1

April 7Apr 7

2 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Give yourself a solid month before starting up your taper.

That was my plan. And not storing the liquid until I have completed the transition.

3 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Good for you getting down to 8 mg.

It hasn't been without a lot of bumps, but progressing nonetheless.

1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58

2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) holding for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75,

Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

1

April 12Apr 12

Hi LostinCanada, Hope you're doing OK. I see you helping and assisting so many people. Sending love and encouragement from Australia.💕

Wombat

1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58

2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) holding for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75,

Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

1

April 12Apr 12

Author

@Wombat thanks for stopping by. 😊Hope you are well. ❤️

Day 18 since my dose drop. The last few days I have had an increase in dizziness, some brain zaps, (rare for me) and feeling a bit out of it.

My daughter and son-in-law dropped by this morning and I invited them to stay for lunch. Had some heart palpitations and a few seconds of panic.
Day 14-18 previously has been bumpy so this is pretty normal.
Took a walk by the ocean in the rain. Functional is good,

I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/200mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

4

April 12Apr 12

You know when you get a rare symptom it is definitely withdrawal. So, hold, hold, hold.

That was lovely to invite your daughter and son-in-law for lunch, but isn't it so awful that even when your most loved ones come to visit you can get anxiety/panic. I have been in the same situation. There is no reason for it, and you want them there, but your body just goes into overdrive. Danger, Danger, Danger.

Something I struggle to understand is that my brain doesn't see any danger but my body does!! Crazy times.

I think walking by the ocean is definitely one of the best things to do. It is so relaxing. I hope it wasn't too cold in the rain. When I imagine Canada I imagine it being cold all the time.

Functional is very very good. Keep staying strong. You are doing so well!!

Wombat

1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58

2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) holding for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75,

Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

1

LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

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